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Wednesday, 12 December 2012

The pursuit of knowledge...

As I sit here at the end of this amazing year I feel like the roller coaster is slowly down nearing the end of the ride about I know it will pass through the finishing point, slow down, and then take off again.

Just over a year ago when I started this blog. I wrote,
"As with a new day....I am starting a blog to coincide with my decision to change my career. I know there are many people in cyber space and probably no one will read this but at least I will give myself a forum for my thoughts. "

I had never imagined my life could be completely changed in such a short space of time. True to my goal I have been blogging about how I have been using technology in the classroom but I have noticed as I have found an audience that the way I write has changed. One of the things that has surprised me greatly is that the unique things in my character have managed to be communicated in a way I never expected. I have been greatly encouraged by people who have commented on my enthusiasm, passion and honesty. This has touched me in a way I never expected and it has in turn made we want to strive to be the best I can be. What turned out as a gamble for me has turned out to be the best decision I ever made. When I turned my back on my past that was pulling me down and opened myself up for new opportunities they have come in like a flood. Next year I will be a course coordinator for one of our Workplace and Training Certificates at Tafe. I have loved teaching adults at Tafe and despite the bad press about funding cuts to Tafe they are the most dedicated teachers I have ever worked with. Yesterday I received my accreditation to be an Endorsed Provider for the NSW Teacher's Institute to run training courses in schools to teach teachers how to use technology in the classroom. My business has a big green light and I will start to market some of these courses in the coming weeks. I am overflowing with gratefulness for this year. Another highlight for me this year was being part of #ozengchat and #histedchat on twitter. This rich sharing and communication with dedicated, creative, enthusiastic, hard working and totally genuine people has greatly enriched my life and teaching experience.

My students have been the highlight of my year and I have watched them grow, develop and become confident in their pursuit of knowledge and understanding. My life is all the better for knowing them. Some of them have had terrible backgrounds and life experiences yet they have overcome terrible odds to succeed. They are amazing. My desire to learn, read, understand, question and reflect has been ignited and is burning brightly and I can't wait for what next year will bring. Favorite sites for the week: